On February 2, a delegation of 33 representatives from the Macao SAR Government Tourist Office, the Tourism Development Committee, and industry leaders arrived in Hengqin to accelerate the development of a world-class tourism and leisure resort.
This marks a critical step in the joint effort to transform Hengqin International Leisure Tourism Island into a global destination, a move central to Macao's strategy for moderate economic diversification.
This collaboration centers on a seamless travel model designed to integrate the unique offerings of both regions. The "world-class tourism resort" initiative, which was officially fast-tracked by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism in September 2024, has now entered a pivotal phase.
By September 2025, authorities launched a comprehensive construction and planning scheme to define Hengqin as a world-class tourism resort for culture, commerce, and wellness. This vision seeks to blend Maritime Silk Road heritage, intangible cultural heritage, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture to create a brand image as an "International Reception Room" for Guangdong and Macao.
During the exchange, industry representatives focused on practical strategies for deepening cooperation, specifically discussing the expansion of "one-trip, multiple-stops" travel routes.
The delegation toured several key Macao-invested projects, including the Tianmu Qintai landmark and the TCM Culture Experience Center. Macao business leaders expressed a strong intent to leverage Hengqin's industrial support policies to develop new business formats in catering, hospitality, and specialized tourism services.
The drive toward integration is supported by a robust framework of existing policies. Since the implementation of tiered management in Hengqin, a series of facilitation measures—including the Hengqin-Macao tour group policy, multi-entry visas, and port transit visa-free access—have paved the way for joint regional tourism.
The next phase of development includes optimizing the Macao-Hengqin Joint Tourism incentive scheme and exploring the "one exhibition, two locations" model to integrate tourism with conventions, sports, and trade.
By combining these diverse sectors, Macao and Hengqin aim to build a high-level opening platform that serves as a premier destination for international travelers and a driver of regional economic growth.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Hengqin Online
